11 Facts About Mobile X-Ray and EKG Services at Nice
One of Nice Healthcare’s less emphasized benefits is our in-home imaging services to address acute and chronic conditions. Nice has the ability to send an imaging technician to your home and conduct X-rays and EKGs with their mobile imaging technology. Every zip code eligible for in-home services has access to mobile imaging when needed.
In this blog post we’re going to discuss each of these types of imaging, their benefits and limitations and how to schedule it through the Nice App.
Let’s Define X-rays and EKG
X-rays
X-rays, or electromagnetic waves, are a type of radiation. When targeting your body, these waves can create images of what’s happening inside your body.
Because different tissues absorb various amounts of the radiation, the images turn out in black and white. Bones look the whitest because they contain the most calcium, which absorbs the most radiation. Following bones are fats and soft tissues which look grey. Air absorbs no radiation, which is why your lungs will look black in an X-ray.
The most common use of X-rays are checking for fractures (broken bones) and chest x-rays (for identifying pneumonia).
Read more at Medline Plus.
EKG
EKG, ECG or an electrocardiogram is a non-invasive tool that helps diagnose heart problems. An EKG measures the electrical signals in your heart to identify irregularities in heart rhythm, blocked or clogged arteries and other heart conditions.
Read more from the Mayo Clinic.
What patients need to know about Nice Imaging Services:
Top-notch Imaging Services:
There’s a common misconception that because we leverage a convenient, mobile imaging service instead of making patients drive to and wait for a hospital’s machines, our services are less accurate than they would be otherwise. This is false. All portable or mobile imaging services are required to meet rigorous standards1 and keep their technicians’ licenses up-to-date.
Our X-ray images and EKGs are read by radiologists who then send a report to your Nice clinician for final review and follow-up for treatment.
Service is Fast and Convenient:
Just like our industry-leading, sub-5-minute response times, we’re usually able to send an imaging technician to your home the same day as your clinical visit. If you have a lingering cough and think you might have pneumonia, the last thing you want to do is get into a car, go to the ER and wait all afternoon to see someone. With Nice, you can get an accurate diagnosis quickly with as little movement as possible.
For Most Patients, Imaging is Complimentary:
We built Nice to remove as much of the financial burden as possible from the patient. For most of our patients, X-rays and EKG are free services. However, some clients are on plans that do not include complimentary imaging services. Your clinician will be sure to let you know if imaging is included or what the cost will be prior to ordering the assessment.
5 ground rules for imaging services:
Typically, a 4-6 hour window is required for the technician to come out and take the image(s). If your condition needs more immediate attention, please go to your nearest urgent care clinic.
If there are more than 5 stairs to gain entrance to the home, the exam will need to take place somewhere else. (Garage, stair landing, outside on a firm clean surface is acceptable)
Imaging can be conducted in public places (with the patient’s consent), such as a hotel or apartment complex lobby.
X-rays will not be ordered for children under 3 years old.
For a minor under the age of 16, a guardian needs to be home at the time of the appointment.
How to get started
As with all Nice services, start by downloading the Nice app and/or logging into your account. Schedule a virtual visit with your clinician and tell them about your condition. If required, they’ll confirm your eligibility and schedule your imaging services.
*1 Portable X-Ray Services Certification - This is the ‘tip of the iceberg’ State of Minnesota’s page regarding the . Most of these requirements come from the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, so the standards are just as high across the country.